The Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL), representing Muslims, Christians and other religious bodies across the country, has commended the Government of Sierra Leone, led by the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), and the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) for reaching the Agreement for National Unity (ANU).

The agreement followed engagements between the two political parties on issues surrounding the 2023 national elections and subsequently led to the establishment of the Tripartite Committee, comprising the Government, the APC and Development Partners.

The Tripartite Committee presented a report containing 80 recommendations aimed at implementing reforms to strengthen governance and democracy in Sierra Leone and to ensure that the country’s electoral processes are free, fair, transparent and credible.

Against this backdrop, the IRCSL has drawn attention to the ongoing Constitutional Amendment process as an important component of the national reform agenda.

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The Council said it participated in the consultative process preceding the Constitutional Amendment process and reiterated the importance of giving due consideration to the views and recommendations expressed by the IRCSL and citizens during those consultations.

The IRCSL also commended Members of Parliament for their active participation in the amendment process, stressing that, at critical moments such as this, all stakeholders must draw on their patriotism and commitment to national peace and prosperity, with the ultimate objective of concluding the Constitutional Amendments in the best interests of the people of Sierra Leone.

However, the Council expressed grave concern over the current stalemate in Parliament regarding the constitutional requirements for the proposed amendments or alterations.

The IRCSL reminded Parliament and the public that the Constitution of Sierra Leone is the supreme law of the land and the fundamental framework for the governance of the State.

According to the Council, the Constitution belongs to the people of Sierra Leone and must therefore not be treated as the property or instrument of any political party, whether in Government, in Parliament or outside Parliament.

The Council further stressed that the Constitution affects both present and future generations and must therefore be handled with the highest degree of responsibility, transparency and national consciousness.

It maintained that any amendment or alteration to the Constitution must be undertaken strictly in accordance with the Constitution itself and with due regard to the legitimate views and aspirations expressed by the people of Sierra Leone.

The IRCSL therefore called on Parliament, the Judiciary, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Brigadier (Rtd.) Dr. Julius Maada Bio, and all other relevant stakeholders to act in a God-fearing manner, guided by the national interest, constitutional principles and due consideration of the views expressed by the people.

The Council further urged Parliament to reconvene and continue deliberations on the outstanding issues, with a view to finding common ground and reaching a constructive and nationally acceptable consensus, while fully respecting the constitutional procedures governing the amendment process.

As a faith-based body committed to peace, national unity and the wellbeing of Sierra Leone, the IRCSL prayed that God/Allah would grant all Parliamentarians wisdom, humility, mutual respect and the grace to love one another, adding that such love should also be extended to the people they represent.

“Sierra Leone belongs to all of us,” the Council stated, stressing that the constitutional process must ultimately serve the peace, stability, democracy and development of the nation.